Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language
English
Time Zone
AEDT (UTC+11) / AEST (UTC+10)
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Apr
Typical Duration
5-27 nights
Price Range
From $451 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to Tasmania's natural wonders, offering access to historic Port Arthur, pristine wilderness, and some of Australia's most scenic coastal landscapes.
Cruises that visit Port Arthur, Tasmania
Build Your Day in Port Arthur, Tasmania
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur Historic Site is amazing, with a lot of things to explore.
Closed
Port Arthur Lavender
Closed
Remarkable Cave
Narrow sea cavern eroded by waves
Open
NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park
Clean tidy, location to Port Arthur excellent.
Tasman Island Cruises
Views of sheer cliffs, birds & dolphins
Closed
The Fox and Hounds Historic Hotel
Unfussy inn with dining & a bar
Port Arthur Historic Site Cafe
Good cafe and gift shops.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Port Arthur Motor Inn & Restaurant
Bar was good, restaurant had fabulous views and food and service terrific
On the Bay Restaurant
Great wine list/cocktails/ beers.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Port Arthur Ghost Tours
Lantern-lit tours of 1800s penal colony
Closed
The Penitentiary
Well preserved and explained, a must visit if you are passing by Tassy!
Closed
The Fox and Hounds Restaurant
Great Calamari cooked to perfection, friendly staff with nice ales
1830 Restaurant and Bar, Port Arthur
They have a good selection of local wines.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Port Arthur Centre Grocery Takeaway Cafe & Info
The salad that comes with the fish is fresh and oh so yummy.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
McHenry Distillery
Such a cool little place with a great view and tasty gin, whiskey and beer!
White Beach Tourist Park
Nice place for a swim calm bay Clean bathrooms beautiful park
The Pickers Pantry
The food was delicious and well made - our pita breads were home made.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Lucky Ducks Cafe
Vegan options·Kids' menu
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Port Arthur General Store & Takeaways
Well stocked for basic food items and good food prepared fresh.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Cape Raoul Lookout
On hike you may see wallabies and wombats.
Open
Separate Prison
Souvenir shop available for gifts and books.
Maingon Bay Lookout
Great walk down and views of the remarkable cave.
Open
Little Norfolk Bay Bistro & Chalets
Local produce and reasonably priced excellent local wines.
Memorial Garden
Safety Cove beach
Calm clear blue water, nice sand.
Mount Brown
Great view of cresent bay beach, and a pretty easy walk.
Open 24 hours
The Port Arthur Historic Site
The food prices are a bit steep but on par with most tourist attractions.
Closed
Port Arthur Historic Site Gift Shop
Very modern, gifts and food as well as info.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Commandants Table Restaurant
Great seafood linguine and very well priced alcohol!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Stewarts Bay Beach
Stunning part of nature,
peaceful and clean.
Salmon Rock
It's about 5 mins to get down to it, but worth the walk.
Asylum Cafe
This is located inside the Port Arthur Historical Site.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Government Gardens
Port Arthur Supermarket
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Big Possum Beach
Still can enjoy the view from the beach and road side.
Stewarts Bay Beach Jetty
Gorgeous spot to swim in crystal aqua spectrum 🫂✨💙💚
Little Possum Beach
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Port Arthur, Tasmania
Port Arthur, Tasmania serves as a scenic port of call for cruise passengers exploring Australia's southeastern coastline. With two major cruise lines—Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line—calling regularly throughout the year, this charming Tasmanian port offers convenient access to some of the region's most compelling destinations. Peak season runs from October through December and again in April, with most itineraries featuring 5-night voyages that combine Port Arthur with popular stops in Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Once ashore, cruise passengers discover a destination rich with historical significance and natural beauty. The iconic Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, stands as the port's most compelling attraction, offering fascinating insights into Australia's colonial past. Beyond history, visitors find themselves surrounded by Tasmania's rugged coastline and pristine landscapes, making Port Arthur an ideal base for those seeking to experience the raw beauty of Australia's island state during their brief time in port.
Once ashore, cruise passengers discover a destination rich with historical significance and natural beauty. The iconic Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, stands as the port's most compelling attraction, offering fascinating insights into Australia's colonial past. Beyond history, visitors find themselves surrounded by Tasmania's rugged coastline and pristine landscapes, making Port Arthur an ideal base for those seeking to experience the raw beauty of Australia's island state during their brief time in port.
Cruise Lines at Port Arthur, Tasmania
- Holland America Line (7 cruises)
- Carnival Cruise Line (3 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Port Arthur, Tasmania
Cruises Visiting Port Arthur, Tasmania
Ship Schedule at Port Arthur, Tasmania
Port Arthur, Tasmania Location
Other Cruise Ports in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Port Arthur known for?
Port Arthur is known for its historic convict settlement and ruins on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia.
Where is Port Arthur located?
Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula in southeastern Tasmania, Australia at approximately -43.17746 latitude and 147.842049 longitude.
How can I visit Port Arthur?
You can visit by car from Hobart, or take guided tours; check local opening hours and tickets.
Is Port Arthur open year-round?
Hours vary by season; consult current hours and special closures before visiting.